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Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary meta·mor·pho·sis \\ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-fə-səs\\ noun (plural meta·mor·pho·ses \\-ˌsēz\\) ETYMOLOGY Latin, from Greek metamorphōsis, from metamorphoun to transform, from meta- + morphē form DATE 1533 1. a. change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means b. a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances 2. a typically marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching English Etymology metamorphosis 1530s, "change of form or shape, especially by witchcraft," from L. metamorphosis, from Gk. metamorphosis "a transforming," from metamorphoun "to transform," from meta- "change" (see meta-) + morphe "form" (see morphine). Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary-牛津双解-OALD7 metamorphosis meta·mor·phosis / 7metE5mC:fEsis; NAmE -5mC:rf- / noun(pl. meta·mor·phoses / -Esi:z / ) [C, U] (formal) a process in which sb / sth changes completely into sth different 变形；质变 SYN transformation :
the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly 从毛毛虫到蝴蝶的蜕变 She had undergone an amazing metamorphosis from awkward schoolgirl to beautiful woman. 她经历了从笨女生到大美人这一令人惊讶的变化。 Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged meta·mor·pho·sis \ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈmȯ(r)fəsə̇s sometimes -ˌmȯ(r)ˈfōs-\ noun Etymology: Latin, from Greek metamorphōsis, from metamorphoun to transform, from meta- change, transformation (from meta with, between, after) + morphē form — more at meta- , form 1. a. : change of physical form or substance; especially : such a change brought about by or as if by supernatural means < the metamorphosis of men into animals > b. : a striking alteration (as in appearance, character, or circumstances) < metamorphosis of the old house which he had inherited — Claud Phillimore > < the prospect of facing his … family and guests in this new metamorphosis — David Walden > 2. a. : a marked and more or less abrupt change in the form or structure of an animal during postembryonic development (as when the larva of an insect becomes a pupa or a tadpole changes into a frog) < metamorphosis of a butterfly > — compare epimorphosis b. : the sum of the various modifications whether phylogenetic or primarily ontogenetic through which a primitive plant structure may pass in the course of its development c. archaic : evolutionary change or modification of form over the centuries 3. a. : transformation of one kind of tissue into another < metamorphosis of cartilage into bone > b. : tissue degeneration marked by conversion of tissues or structures into other material < fatty metamorphosis of the liver > 4. a. : a chemical change (as oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, substitution) b. : a changing of a chemical compound into an isomeric form 5. : a transformation of a musical figure or idea into a rhythmically or melodically altered repetition of the original < its continuity … relies upon the metamorphosis of themes rather than the use of the leitmotiv — Norman Demuth > |
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